Design Concept: Creativity and Criticality in Interior Design

Abstract

Within the discipline of interior design, the ability for conceptual thinking to fuel creativity, innovation, and collaboration is evident in the use of design concept. Despite its important role in the design process, however, design concept remains one of the most confusing topics for students to grasp and is something that educators struggle to teach, year after year, in programs around the world. In order to address these issues, a mixed-method qualitative research study was conducted between September 2019 and March 2020 that collected data from students, educators, and practitioners in five cities (Toronto, New York, London, Glasgow and Berlin) and within seven international universities. This paper offers insights drawn from this research to support a deeper understanding of the topic and provide an explanation of what design concept is, why it plays such an integral role in the design process and how it is utilized by interior designers.

Presenters

Natalie Badenduck
Associate Professor, Interior Design, Mount Royal University, Alberta, Canada

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Design Education

KEYWORDS

Concept, Conceptual Thinking, Design Concept, Design Process, Interior Design, Creativity

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Design_Concept_Presentation_DPP_03.21_NBadenduck.pdf